quick before my brain empties!!!
Aug. 2nd, 2010 11:43 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
orangerfulAck, I need to type up the rest of my Comic-Con adventures! Karen asked me about it at work today and I had so many "uuuuuh" moments I began to panic. And in the immortal words of Henry Jones Sr. - I wrote it down so I wouldn't have to remember!
Or, in this case, I blogged about it. :-)
I forgot part of Friday's story - while I was leaving the hotel to meet up with the group for dinner that night, I walked past the elevators and saw two people that seemed oddly familiar. A skinny girl with beautiful dark hair and a sort of scruffy dude with his hat pulled down. As I got closer, my brain finally figured it out - it was Maurissa Tancharoen and Zack Whedon! HOLY FRAK! I totally spazzed, waving like crazy as they went to the elevator. I wasn't sure what I was allowed to do so I just sorta went "OMG YOU GUYS! I LOVE YOU GUYS! SO MUCH LOVE!" and did weird hand gestures then spazzed my way back out to the street. As I walked up the road to the restaurant, my normal brain caught up to my fangirl brain. I pulled out my iPhone and tweeted: "@MoTancharoen sorry for fingerling [oh iPhone, stop HELPING ME! That should have said "Fangirling"...how embarassing] at you guys by the elevators! But seriously - <3!!!!"
After dinner, walking back to the hotel, I checked Twitter again, and there was a reply from Maurissa: @orangerful next time we shall high five. My little fangirl (fingerl?) heart was all aflutter.
SATURDAY - an epic tale of epicness.
So, before going to SDCC, I had many things on my to-do list for Saturday. The Chuck panel, the MTV Games (Rock Band) panel...but after surviving my first two days, I realized that I would have to prioritize. And I decided that above all I NEEDED to get the Community cast autographs. I B-lined it for the network booth (sidenote: one of the most disturbing things about Comic-Con was realizing that EVERYTHING we watch it owned by about 3 corporations. I think I knew this all along, but actually seeing it on the floor - with Big Bang Theory and Dexter stuck to the SAME BOOTH - it was just unnerving). I got to the booth and asked the man standing there if they were handing out tickets for the Community cast signing. He heaved a heavy sigh and said "no", as though he could sense the chaos that would arise because of this. I asked him if they were starting a line. He said no, they couldn't do that because they would be in the way since the booth was in the center of the floor. The signing was scheduled for noon, he told me to come back at 11:30. I refrained from rolling my eyes back at him (because the people who wanted to get the Chuck cast autographs for a signing at noon were already queuing up at the WB/NBC/CW/WE RULE YOU booth.
So, I decided I would circle like a vulture until noon. I looked at my notes and saw that Drew Struzan would be signing around 11am at AA19. I walked over to Artists' Alley and found table AA19 and noticed that Struzan's name was not stuck to the front of it. Well, it was only 9:30, perhaps I was too early. So I meandered through the exhibit hall, checking out the merchants fine goods and services. Circled back to AA19 around 10:15...nothing....10:30...nope...finally, I saw a woman walking around with the same postcard as me, looking for the area. She approached one of the volunteers and asked them. Eventually he said "OH - that's upstairs in the Autograph Area". I decided I would make a break for it, but by the time I got to the REAL AA19, the line was HUGE. And there was no way I was going to miss the Community autographs. Sorry Drew - nice book though!
Back down to the land of booths, back to the SONY booth. There was no line but there was an odd cluster. The someone helping the SONY rep pulled out a stack of Community posters and people began to push forward. The Rep said "NO!" and yanked the posters back under the table. I asked if there was a line forming and was told again that, no they can't start a line yet, it's too early. But, he said sort of gesturing, there are people around. I walked over to the "gathering" nearby and asked if this was the not-a-line for Community. They said yes and we all stood around talking. Eventually the SONY Security guy came by and told us all to form a line against the booth and they brought out tape to mark off where we should be. It took a few minutes but we managed to smoosh down into single file. This was about 11:15. The security guy guarded the line, only letting in people that he remembered telling to walk away earlier in the day. Around 11:30, Chevy Chase came out from the back and waved to the crowd. EVERYONE Near the booth started snapping photos. Even more began to wait to see who would come out next. This, of course, was clogging up the entire exhibit hall floor so soon security was there, trying to make everyone move after they snapped their one photo. Those of us in line smooshed even more into the booth.
FINALLY around 11:45, the ENTIRE cast came out to cheers. They handed everyone in line posters, which feature the cover of the 'Community' DVD boxed set and we all got to meet the cast very quickly as they scribbled their names on their character's faces. Joel was very nice, I told him I LOVED the show. Chevy was in character, being cluesless. It took me a moment to catch on, but I played around with him once I did (He asked what "that thing on my wrist" was. I had my camera strapped there. I told him it was a "digital camera" and that it was used to steal his soul). Danny Pudi was next, I told him Community was the ONLY show I watched in real-time. He gave me a high-five and Joel yelled out "OUR ONE LIVE VIEWER!!!". I told Donald Glover that, for me, Community was on the same level as Arrested Development and he said that was a real compliment because he loves that show. Yvette is exactly like her character, you just want to hug her because she's so sweet. And Alison even signs her name with a little heart. I think I might have told her I loved her....but ANYWAY!!!!!!!! I HAVE A POSTER WITH ALL THEIR AUTOGRAPHS!!!!!!!
I was so happy with my catch of the day, but I had to STAY FOCUSED! I was on a very tight schedule! Next up, the Guild cast signing. Felicia had tweeted that they would be at the booth fro 11-1 before their 2pm panel. First, I walked in completely the wrong direction because I was admiring my poster of autographs. Then I turned myself around and found The Guild booth. EVERYONE was there! A sign said "$20/3 items. I went through my folder and pulled out my 'Date my Avatar' photo I had Felicia sign at Dragon*Con, Season 3 DVD slip sleeve, and #1 of The Guild comic. I made my way to the front of the line, chatting with two very nice Guild fans in front of me. When it was my turn, I handed their handler the $20 and he gave me another photo. I told him I already had 3 items and he smiled at me and said "Rules are only made for people who follow them" and he slipped the extra photo into my to-be-signed pile (and this photo is now![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
destertale's birthday present!). The whole cast was all smiles. Sandeep said he would be going to Dragon*Con this year - so be ready jellibean! Felicia complimented my necklace (I had on my pink necklace that Jason Palmer's wife sold to me at Dragon*Con). I got a picture with the whole group too because when the heck would this happen again???
Again, with no time to spare, I speedwalked to the Hilton and tried to find the end of the line for the Ballroom there. The Venture Brothers panel was going on so I was hoping a lot of people would leave after that. I was actually outside the building but we lucked out with weather and it was a gorgeous sunny day. I made out with my Community poster a bit more then looked over my Guild autographs. I texted my friend Jeff and asked him to bring me a Dr Pepper before he went back into the Con so I didn't die of dehydration. Eventually, the line started moving and we managed to trickle in just in time for the Sanctuary panel!
Now, I still haven't seen Sanctuary but it was on my to-watch list. And after the panel, with the ADORABLE cast (esp. Amanda Tapping!) I will give it a go (I've actually watched the first half of the pilot). They managed to keep the panel pretty spoiler free for the series, I felt. I think they figured a lot of people might be in there for The Guild or Community and hoped they'd gain some more viewers.
At 2pm was The Guild panel. The room was PACKED!!!! Kim Evey, the producer of the show, came out and was flabbergasted by the amount of people. She made a joke about how fans of Community would only have to suffer another hour, but you could tell the room was wall to wall Guild fanatics. Especially when the cast came on stage (with squids on their heads, made by a fan for the whole crew). Lots of cheering from the crowd. We got to see a sneak peek of the latest episode, featuring the "Team Cawkes" painting. Then everyone in the panel got a free button with the image of Wil and Felicia all bodice-ripper-style LOL! Then they gave us yet another sneak-peek of the "GAME ON" music sequence. It was Wheaton's first time seeing it and he was like "HOLY SHIT" when it was over hahaha. As usual, Felicia thanked the fans over and over for their support.
At 3pm, The Community panel started, first with a quick montage of clips from the show. The crowd laughed and cheered and when the cast came on stage THEY WENT NUTS!!!!!!!!! And there was Joel, Yvette, and Gillian all holding up their own digital cameras, filming us going WILD! The entire cast commented about how blown away they were by the sheer number of people in the room there to support the show. Gillian apologized if her makeup was running because she got all teary eyed when she walked on stage. Yvette and Alison made similar comments. And while none of the guys admitted it, you could tell it took them a bit of time to get accustomed to the fans gathered for them. Dan Harmon, the creator and head writer of the show, was also there. He introduced a clip from the DVD and told everyone about the Kickpuncher comic that would be included with the DVD. He told us we would all get Greendale College passes and we went CRAZY screaming. He laughed and was like "Wait, there's more! They have a $5 off coupon code for the DVD on the back!" and we went just as CRAZY. hahaha. The audience got Danny and Donald to do both the Spanish Rap AND Somewhere Out There. They also convinced Donald to do a bit of improv, a crazed homeless man that he does when things get too quiet on the set. He warned parents to cover their children's ears and then tried to convince Joel McHale that aliens were coming ot steal his penis and the only safe place to hide was his mouth. Someone asked about relationships on the show and Alison mentioned the Jeff/Annie fanfic and how the writers keep forwarding it to her. Harmon said they read the reactions people have to stuff in the show and try to use it when working on the rest of the season. But, he said, if you write fic where Troy does it with a fire hydrant, he's not going to pay any attention to that. LOL!
The panel wrapped up around 3:45 and I looked at the raffle ticket in my wallet - one last chance to meet Joss Whedon. I went back into the Exhibit Hall and went to the Dark Horse booth, found the list with all the raffle ticket numbers and...nope, not on there. I felt my chest get heavy...I wanted to cry. I looked at my watch. 4pm. Jane Espenson would be at the QMX booth, at least I could meet one of the Buffy writers.
QMX was empty when I got over there. Jane had not made her way to the booth. I stood around chatting with the girl behind the counter, asking about the Little Frakkin Colonials line and she said they were planning on making more, along with more Dr Horrible maquettes. Someone else showed up to sign autographs and the guy next to me in line said it was Jose Molina - who worked on both Firefly, Buffy and Angel! SCORE! I got him to sign my Firefly blu-ray booklet and then Jane showed up. Jane looks like the coolest aunt ever. I feel like I could totally chill and talk with her. But as soon as she arrived, a line started to form, but at least I was at the front of it! I thanked her for being awesome, told her that 'Shindig' was the episode that made me fall in love with 'Firefly' and she said 'Thank you'.
So, now it was all of 4:20...wasn't really sure what to do with myself. I went back to Dark Horse, hoping that maybe they drew more raffle tickets. But no...my number was nowhere to be seen. I decided to go the stalker route, and just hang around the booth and take photos. Maybe I'd run into Joss on the way. I started to loiter around the Dark Horse booth and soon noticed other loiterers. We chatted a bit about Joss and the Dark Horse guy noticed us. He said "Um, you guys know there is an overflow line right?" I think we all did a double take. He said "I can't guarantee anything, but the line yesterday wrapped around the booth and we got everyone in...this one only has a few people so far". So there I was...in line to meet Joss.See, being a stalker DOES pay off. The guy in front of me was really nice. We talked about all things Joss and I warned him that I might explode at any moment and if they did cut the line off in front of me, I may possilbly have a melt down. He tried to keep me calm and we talked Buffy and Angel and Firefly and Dollhouse. And then the line started. This was technically a Dollhouse panel, so who else was there? Why - FELICIA DAY! and MAURISSA and ZACK! And there, in the center...Joss.
I don't really need to tell you guys how important Joss Whedon is to me. I mean, I wouldn't be here - I wouldn't know most of you, if it wasn't for him. And I cherish all the friendships I've started because of that mutual love of Joss. He helped get me into comics. My first icons for LJ were Buffy. The academic Buffy books taught me to look at entertainment from a different viewpoint. Heck, I would never have gone to Comic Con if all those years ago my friend Becky had not sat me down and made my watch Buffy, even though I resisted.
So this was a big deal for me. And as we inched closer, I tried to practice my speech over and over in my head. Me and the guy (gosh, I feel bad, I don't even know what his name was, I think we were both freaking out) swapped cameras and even though they said "no pictures" we promised to try to get shots of each other with Joss. First in line was Felicia. She said hi, recognizing me from the Guild signing earlier and pointed out my necklace again. Maurissa was next. I told her I was the spazz from the night before and we high-fived. I tried to keep my breathing even and hold the camera for the guy next to me because there was Joss. AAAAH! Take the picture Sam!!! AAAAH!
Then it was my turn. It's all sort of a weird blur. I think I started to babble. Not surprising. I said that I found Buffy when I was feeling sort of alone in the world (that weird limbo between college and real life) and the show helped me feel less alone and now I'm here at Comic-Con with all these other geeks and it's all because of -- cue the waterworks. But before I could get too teary eyed, Joss leaned across the table and gave me a HUGE HUG and a really quick peck on the cheek (beards are fuzzy) and he said "Thank you". And I felt instantly calm and even managed to get myself together for a decent photo op.
And then I floated through the rest of the day. I floated up the stairs and got a healthy hot dog, I texted everyone I knew, facebooked, and spread the joy! Honestly, this was the entire goal of Comic-Con for me and I had achieved it. Everything else was cool but this was amazing.
After I came back down to earth, I went to the Her Universe panel which was hosted by Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars:Clone Wars) and featured Melinda Snodgrass (author, ST:TNG scripts), Jane Espenson (BtVS, BSG,etc), Bonnie Burton (Star Wars.com), Mary Franklin (Star Wars PR), Erika Kennair (SyFy programming), Katie Cook (artist), and Cat Scaggs (artist). This was a great "Girl Power" panel and probably the most low-key event I went to. But Ashley was a great host, very adorable because you could tell how much she had worked on each question for each panelist. She should just make a little doll of herself because I just wanted to hug her every time I saw her.
The panel ended around 7:30 and I was so exhausted, I went back to the hotel and passed out.
Oh, and because I want EVERYONE to buy Community on DVD (and I know you were going to do it anyway, so why not save $5??) the coupon code (for Amazon.com) is COMSEAS1 - expire 8/9/10
Or, in this case, I blogged about it. :-)
I forgot part of Friday's story - while I was leaving the hotel to meet up with the group for dinner that night, I walked past the elevators and saw two people that seemed oddly familiar. A skinny girl with beautiful dark hair and a sort of scruffy dude with his hat pulled down. As I got closer, my brain finally figured it out - it was Maurissa Tancharoen and Zack Whedon! HOLY FRAK! I totally spazzed, waving like crazy as they went to the elevator. I wasn't sure what I was allowed to do so I just sorta went "OMG YOU GUYS! I LOVE YOU GUYS! SO MUCH LOVE!" and did weird hand gestures then spazzed my way back out to the street. As I walked up the road to the restaurant, my normal brain caught up to my fangirl brain. I pulled out my iPhone and tweeted: "@MoTancharoen sorry for fingerling [oh iPhone, stop HELPING ME! That should have said "Fangirling"...how embarassing] at you guys by the elevators! But seriously - <3!!!!"
After dinner, walking back to the hotel, I checked Twitter again, and there was a reply from Maurissa: @orangerful next time we shall high five. My little fangirl (fingerl?) heart was all aflutter.
SATURDAY - an epic tale of epicness.
So, before going to SDCC, I had many things on my to-do list for Saturday. The Chuck panel, the MTV Games (Rock Band) panel...but after surviving my first two days, I realized that I would have to prioritize. And I decided that above all I NEEDED to get the Community cast autographs. I B-lined it for the network booth (sidenote: one of the most disturbing things about Comic-Con was realizing that EVERYTHING we watch it owned by about 3 corporations. I think I knew this all along, but actually seeing it on the floor - with Big Bang Theory and Dexter stuck to the SAME BOOTH - it was just unnerving). I got to the booth and asked the man standing there if they were handing out tickets for the Community cast signing. He heaved a heavy sigh and said "no", as though he could sense the chaos that would arise because of this. I asked him if they were starting a line. He said no, they couldn't do that because they would be in the way since the booth was in the center of the floor. The signing was scheduled for noon, he told me to come back at 11:30. I refrained from rolling my eyes back at him (because the people who wanted to get the Chuck cast autographs for a signing at noon were already queuing up at the WB/NBC/CW/WE RULE YOU booth.
So, I decided I would circle like a vulture until noon. I looked at my notes and saw that Drew Struzan would be signing around 11am at AA19. I walked over to Artists' Alley and found table AA19 and noticed that Struzan's name was not stuck to the front of it. Well, it was only 9:30, perhaps I was too early. So I meandered through the exhibit hall, checking out the merchants fine goods and services. Circled back to AA19 around 10:15...nothing....10:30...nope...finally, I saw a woman walking around with the same postcard as me, looking for the area. She approached one of the volunteers and asked them. Eventually he said "OH - that's upstairs in the Autograph Area". I decided I would make a break for it, but by the time I got to the REAL AA19, the line was HUGE. And there was no way I was going to miss the Community autographs. Sorry Drew - nice book though!
Back down to the land of booths, back to the SONY booth. There was no line but there was an odd cluster. The someone helping the SONY rep pulled out a stack of Community posters and people began to push forward. The Rep said "NO!" and yanked the posters back under the table. I asked if there was a line forming and was told again that, no they can't start a line yet, it's too early. But, he said sort of gesturing, there are people around. I walked over to the "gathering" nearby and asked if this was the not-a-line for Community. They said yes and we all stood around talking. Eventually the SONY Security guy came by and told us all to form a line against the booth and they brought out tape to mark off where we should be. It took a few minutes but we managed to smoosh down into single file. This was about 11:15. The security guy guarded the line, only letting in people that he remembered telling to walk away earlier in the day. Around 11:30, Chevy Chase came out from the back and waved to the crowd. EVERYONE Near the booth started snapping photos. Even more began to wait to see who would come out next. This, of course, was clogging up the entire exhibit hall floor so soon security was there, trying to make everyone move after they snapped their one photo. Those of us in line smooshed even more into the booth.
FINALLY around 11:45, the ENTIRE cast came out to cheers. They handed everyone in line posters, which feature the cover of the 'Community' DVD boxed set and we all got to meet the cast very quickly as they scribbled their names on their character's faces. Joel was very nice, I told him I LOVED the show. Chevy was in character, being cluesless. It took me a moment to catch on, but I played around with him once I did (He asked what "that thing on my wrist" was. I had my camera strapped there. I told him it was a "digital camera" and that it was used to steal his soul). Danny Pudi was next, I told him Community was the ONLY show I watched in real-time. He gave me a high-five and Joel yelled out "OUR ONE LIVE VIEWER!!!". I told Donald Glover that, for me, Community was on the same level as Arrested Development and he said that was a real compliment because he loves that show. Yvette is exactly like her character, you just want to hug her because she's so sweet. And Alison even signs her name with a little heart. I think I might have told her I loved her....but ANYWAY!!!!!!!! I HAVE A POSTER WITH ALL THEIR AUTOGRAPHS!!!!!!!
I was so happy with my catch of the day, but I had to STAY FOCUSED! I was on a very tight schedule! Next up, the Guild cast signing. Felicia had tweeted that they would be at the booth fro 11-1 before their 2pm panel. First, I walked in completely the wrong direction because I was admiring my poster of autographs. Then I turned myself around and found The Guild booth. EVERYONE was there! A sign said "$20/3 items. I went through my folder and pulled out my 'Date my Avatar' photo I had Felicia sign at Dragon*Con, Season 3 DVD slip sleeve, and #1 of The Guild comic. I made my way to the front of the line, chatting with two very nice Guild fans in front of me. When it was my turn, I handed their handler the $20 and he gave me another photo. I told him I already had 3 items and he smiled at me and said "Rules are only made for people who follow them" and he slipped the extra photo into my to-be-signed pile (and this photo is now
destertale's birthday present!). The whole cast was all smiles. Sandeep said he would be going to Dragon*Con this year - so be ready jellibean! Felicia complimented my necklace (I had on my pink necklace that Jason Palmer's wife sold to me at Dragon*Con). I got a picture with the whole group too because when the heck would this happen again???Again, with no time to spare, I speedwalked to the Hilton and tried to find the end of the line for the Ballroom there. The Venture Brothers panel was going on so I was hoping a lot of people would leave after that. I was actually outside the building but we lucked out with weather and it was a gorgeous sunny day. I made out with my Community poster a bit more then looked over my Guild autographs. I texted my friend Jeff and asked him to bring me a Dr Pepper before he went back into the Con so I didn't die of dehydration. Eventually, the line started moving and we managed to trickle in just in time for the Sanctuary panel!
Now, I still haven't seen Sanctuary but it was on my to-watch list. And after the panel, with the ADORABLE cast (esp. Amanda Tapping!) I will give it a go (I've actually watched the first half of the pilot). They managed to keep the panel pretty spoiler free for the series, I felt. I think they figured a lot of people might be in there for The Guild or Community and hoped they'd gain some more viewers.
At 2pm was The Guild panel. The room was PACKED!!!! Kim Evey, the producer of the show, came out and was flabbergasted by the amount of people. She made a joke about how fans of Community would only have to suffer another hour, but you could tell the room was wall to wall Guild fanatics. Especially when the cast came on stage (with squids on their heads, made by a fan for the whole crew). Lots of cheering from the crowd. We got to see a sneak peek of the latest episode, featuring the "Team Cawkes" painting. Then everyone in the panel got a free button with the image of Wil and Felicia all bodice-ripper-style LOL! Then they gave us yet another sneak-peek of the "GAME ON" music sequence. It was Wheaton's first time seeing it and he was like "HOLY SHIT" when it was over hahaha. As usual, Felicia thanked the fans over and over for their support.
At 3pm, The Community panel started, first with a quick montage of clips from the show. The crowd laughed and cheered and when the cast came on stage THEY WENT NUTS!!!!!!!!! And there was Joel, Yvette, and Gillian all holding up their own digital cameras, filming us going WILD! The entire cast commented about how blown away they were by the sheer number of people in the room there to support the show. Gillian apologized if her makeup was running because she got all teary eyed when she walked on stage. Yvette and Alison made similar comments. And while none of the guys admitted it, you could tell it took them a bit of time to get accustomed to the fans gathered for them. Dan Harmon, the creator and head writer of the show, was also there. He introduced a clip from the DVD and told everyone about the Kickpuncher comic that would be included with the DVD. He told us we would all get Greendale College passes and we went CRAZY screaming. He laughed and was like "Wait, there's more! They have a $5 off coupon code for the DVD on the back!" and we went just as CRAZY. hahaha. The audience got Danny and Donald to do both the Spanish Rap AND Somewhere Out There. They also convinced Donald to do a bit of improv, a crazed homeless man that he does when things get too quiet on the set. He warned parents to cover their children's ears and then tried to convince Joel McHale that aliens were coming ot steal his penis and the only safe place to hide was his mouth. Someone asked about relationships on the show and Alison mentioned the Jeff/Annie fanfic and how the writers keep forwarding it to her. Harmon said they read the reactions people have to stuff in the show and try to use it when working on the rest of the season. But, he said, if you write fic where Troy does it with a fire hydrant, he's not going to pay any attention to that. LOL!
The panel wrapped up around 3:45 and I looked at the raffle ticket in my wallet - one last chance to meet Joss Whedon. I went back into the Exhibit Hall and went to the Dark Horse booth, found the list with all the raffle ticket numbers and...nope, not on there. I felt my chest get heavy...I wanted to cry. I looked at my watch. 4pm. Jane Espenson would be at the QMX booth, at least I could meet one of the Buffy writers.
QMX was empty when I got over there. Jane had not made her way to the booth. I stood around chatting with the girl behind the counter, asking about the Little Frakkin Colonials line and she said they were planning on making more, along with more Dr Horrible maquettes. Someone else showed up to sign autographs and the guy next to me in line said it was Jose Molina - who worked on both Firefly, Buffy and Angel! SCORE! I got him to sign my Firefly blu-ray booklet and then Jane showed up. Jane looks like the coolest aunt ever. I feel like I could totally chill and talk with her. But as soon as she arrived, a line started to form, but at least I was at the front of it! I thanked her for being awesome, told her that 'Shindig' was the episode that made me fall in love with 'Firefly' and she said 'Thank you'.
So, now it was all of 4:20...wasn't really sure what to do with myself. I went back to Dark Horse, hoping that maybe they drew more raffle tickets. But no...my number was nowhere to be seen. I decided to go the stalker route, and just hang around the booth and take photos. Maybe I'd run into Joss on the way. I started to loiter around the Dark Horse booth and soon noticed other loiterers. We chatted a bit about Joss and the Dark Horse guy noticed us. He said "Um, you guys know there is an overflow line right?" I think we all did a double take. He said "I can't guarantee anything, but the line yesterday wrapped around the booth and we got everyone in...this one only has a few people so far". So there I was...in line to meet Joss.
I don't really need to tell you guys how important Joss Whedon is to me. I mean, I wouldn't be here - I wouldn't know most of you, if it wasn't for him. And I cherish all the friendships I've started because of that mutual love of Joss. He helped get me into comics. My first icons for LJ were Buffy. The academic Buffy books taught me to look at entertainment from a different viewpoint. Heck, I would never have gone to Comic Con if all those years ago my friend Becky had not sat me down and made my watch Buffy, even though I resisted.
So this was a big deal for me. And as we inched closer, I tried to practice my speech over and over in my head. Me and the guy (gosh, I feel bad, I don't even know what his name was, I think we were both freaking out) swapped cameras and even though they said "no pictures" we promised to try to get shots of each other with Joss. First in line was Felicia. She said hi, recognizing me from the Guild signing earlier and pointed out my necklace again. Maurissa was next. I told her I was the spazz from the night before and we high-fived. I tried to keep my breathing even and hold the camera for the guy next to me because there was Joss. AAAAH! Take the picture Sam!!! AAAAH!
Then it was my turn. It's all sort of a weird blur. I think I started to babble. Not surprising. I said that I found Buffy when I was feeling sort of alone in the world (that weird limbo between college and real life) and the show helped me feel less alone and now I'm here at Comic-Con with all these other geeks and it's all because of -- cue the waterworks. But before I could get too teary eyed, Joss leaned across the table and gave me a HUGE HUG and a really quick peck on the cheek (beards are fuzzy) and he said "Thank you". And I felt instantly calm and even managed to get myself together for a decent photo op.
And then I floated through the rest of the day. I floated up the stairs and got a healthy hot dog, I texted everyone I knew, facebooked, and spread the joy! Honestly, this was the entire goal of Comic-Con for me and I had achieved it. Everything else was cool but this was amazing.
After I came back down to earth, I went to the Her Universe panel which was hosted by Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars:Clone Wars) and featured Melinda Snodgrass (author, ST:TNG scripts), Jane Espenson (BtVS, BSG,etc), Bonnie Burton (Star Wars.com), Mary Franklin (Star Wars PR), Erika Kennair (SyFy programming), Katie Cook (artist), and Cat Scaggs (artist). This was a great "Girl Power" panel and probably the most low-key event I went to. But Ashley was a great host, very adorable because you could tell how much she had worked on each question for each panelist. She should just make a little doll of herself because I just wanted to hug her every time I saw her.
The panel ended around 7:30 and I was so exhausted, I went back to the hotel and passed out.
Oh, and because I want EVERYONE to buy Community on DVD (and I know you were going to do it anyway, so why not save $5??) the coupon code (for Amazon.com) is COMSEAS1 - expire 8/9/10
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(no subject)
Date: 2010-08-03 04:08 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-08-03 11:54 pm (UTC)I'll never stop dreaming about getting to Comic-Con one day, even though a plane ticket to San Diego costs freakin' fortune, so that might just as well never happen. :(
(no subject)
Date: 2010-08-04 04:42 pm (UTC)Also: YOU AND JOSS! YOU AND JOSS!! How sweet!!! That is the absolute greatest picture, with the greatest story to go along with it. :)
And I do want to buy Community! But I want to buy it on BluRay! Did they mention if they were going to be releasing it in that format at some point?
(no subject)
Date: 2010-08-07 02:48 am (UTC)I love Felicia, she is so adorable and sweet and nice. And Joss *walks on sunshine* I think my strongest memory from Comic-Con will be feeling his fuzzy beard on my cheek when we hugged.
Here is The Guild button (http://orangerfulatcons.tumblr.com/post/855518181/i-would-like-to-submit-theguild-for-best-sdcc) :D
(no subject)
Date: 2010-08-05 12:04 am (UTC)